Greek Navy Impresses Allies and Rivals in NATO’s Largest Anti-Submarine Exercise

The long-standing tradition of the Greek Navy’s participation in NATO’s largest anti-submarine exercise, codenamed ‘Dynamic Manta,’ continued this year with the impressive presence of the submarine ‘Pipinos’ and the notable participation of the frigate ‘Koundouriotis.’ Allied nations, including Turkey, acknowledged the significant capabilities of Greece’s 214-class submarines, which demonstrated exceptional performance against both surface units and other submarines involved in the NATO exercise. The submarine ‘Pipinos’ was among six allied submarines participating in the exercise, alongside eight surface units. Turkey contributed with its submarine ‘GUR’ and the well-known frigate ‘Kemal Reis.’ In complex operational environments, where detection is crucial, the Greek submarine ‘Pipinos’ once again proved to be a silent hunter, targeting ‘enemy’ ships without being detected. The frigate ‘Koundouriotis,’ despite being in service for over 40 years, successfully completed all assigned missions, even earning commendations from the Turkish exercise director aboard the ‘Kemal Reis.’ This year’s exercise scenarios included intense pursuit operations where surface units, aircraft, and ‘enemy’ submarines alternated roles as hunters and prey. The Greek Navy’s annual participation in ‘Dynamic Manta’ has provided invaluable experience in anti-submarine warfare, as evidenced during the 2020 crisis when Greek submarines remained undetected by Turkish sonar systems for weeks.